Category Archives: Football

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Mike Leach

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Mike Leach.

Mike Leach’s coaching experience (56 years old)

Leach has experienced successful tenures as the head coach at Texas Tech and Washington State, both programs he brought from the doldrums but each teams with ceilings. It’s just hard to win a championship at either place. He was a wildly successful offensive coordinator at Valdosta State, Kentucky and Oklahoma prior to his coaching tenure. He also coached at Iowa Wesleyan, College of the Desert and Cal Poly.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: Guru (offense)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Mike Leach

The Vols would put up points in bunches, and everybody would love Leach’s bluntness and quirkiness on the podium as long as he was winning. It seems his name always comes up as one of the pie-in-the-sky candidates for UT’s coaching searches, but it always seems a stretch to bring him down. It would be fun to see how his offense plays in today’s SEC. It’s said that he doesn’t get along with the Wazzu administration, and his athletic director just left for Nebraska.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Mike Leach

Leach isn’t exactly known for his running game acumen or defense — two things many of the old-school UT fans believe are important elements of playing “SEC football.” Plus, it’s unclear whether he could draw recruits to Knoxville. Would he be too stubborn to outfit his staff with the type of recruiters you must have at UT? Also, the first time Tennessee lost a game 50-45, the grumbles would start. This just seems like it has more chances of being a disaster than being a rousing success.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Justin Fuente

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Justin Fuente.

Justin Fuente’s coaching experience (41 years old)

Wildly successful head coaching tenure at Memphis was parlayed into a gig at Virginia Tech, where he turned around a proud program with an ACC Championship Game appearance last year, and he’s followed it up with a solid 7-3 season so far for the Hokies (as of November 13). Prior to head coaching, he was an assistant (including offensive coordinator) at Illinois State and TCU.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level Three – Major Conference Contender (relatively new at Level Three, but proven at Level Four)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Justin Fuente

There are few better offensive-minded coaches out there, and he is known for being a program builder. His system straight-up works, and though he’s quiet, he obviously knows how to motivate players, develop players and get the most out of them. UT fans would love the way the offense plays under him, and if he could make a strong defensive hire, he’d be a guaranteed hit in Knoxville. The only question mark is recruiting.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Justin Fuente

Other than some minor recruiting concerns, there’s the thought that he’s already at a destination job in Virginia Tech, which is a place that adores him. He doesn’t yearn for the burning spotlight of the SEC, and as a quiet guy, you could totally see him settling in to Blacksburg for a long, long time. He has a high buyout, but the number goes down in December. Can the Vols wait until then? If so, you’re essentially sacrificing a year of recruiting.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Bobby Petrino

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Bobby Petrino.

Bobby Petrino coaching experience (56 years old)

Petrino is 73-26 (as of November 13) as the head coach at Louisville in his second stint. He’s also been a head coach at Western Kentucky and Arkansas, where he was building the Hogs into an annual contender until a scandal derailed him. He was the coach of the Atlanta Falcons for a year, and he was an NFL assistant for several years. Petrino was also a college assistant at Carroll, Weber State, Idaho, Arizona State, Utah State, Louisville, and Auburn including numerous collegiate stints as offensive coordinator.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaching: The Proven Winner, Level Three – Major Conference Contender; Guru (offense and quarterbacks); Pro

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Bobby Petrino

This hasn’t been a particularly good year for Petrino, but he is one of the foremost offensive minds in all of college football. He’s a veteran who has proven he can coach and recruit in the SEC, develop quarterbacks — pro-style and dual-threat — and is a master at tailoring his offense to match the talent on his team. He has experienced success recruiting in Florida and has won in the SEC.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Bobby Petrino

The Vols could probably get Petrino, but how much would he cost and how loyal would he be? He’s a job-jumper who has been at a lot of places. Also, how much of that Louisville investigation stink does he have on him? Any? When it comes to baggage, few coaches bring as much as Petrino, who lied to the Falcons before taking the job at Arkansas, was involved in the secretive Auburn Tuberville-for-Petrino swap way back when and the infamous motorcycle wreck with a woman who wasn’t his wife that ultimately led to his ouster in Fayetteville.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Charlie Strong

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Charlie Strong.

Charlie Strong coaching experience (57 years old)

He enjoyed a strong tenure as Louisville’s coach from 2010-13 before being hired at Texas, which was a nightmare experience. He was never a fit there, and after replacing Willie Taggart at South Florida, he has the Bulls with just one loss. He was an assistant at Florida, Texas A&M, Southern Illinois, Ole Miss, Notre Dame and South Carolina. He made a name for himself as the Gators defensive coordinator, and that’s how he got his head coaching gig.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level Three – Major Conference Contender (although there has been some mixed success at Level Three)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Charlie Strong

At one point, he was going to be the fit in Knoxville, but it fell through. There are varying reports on how and why it fell through, but all reports are that he was very close to being Tennessee’s head coach the last time around. Would you go after him again if you’re John Currie? It’s almost a certainty he could coach up a defensive-minded team and use his south Florida ties to recruit well. He knows the SEC as well as anybody.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Charlie Strong

That checkered history with the Vols will not help his cause. And when he got his opportunity to coach a big program, he blew it in Austin. Strong has struggled in building consistent offensive programs who can produce enough points to be successful. Which coach would show up? The one at Louisville or the one at Texas? I think it would be tough to go in this direction.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Jimbo Fisher

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Jimbo Fisher.

Jimbo Fisher’s coaching experience (52 years old)

The national championship-winning coach at Florida State has gone 81-23 since taking over for the legendary Bobby Bowden in 2010. Before that, he was Bowden’s heir apparent and offensive coordinator for the Seminoles where he excelled. Prior to that run, he was a Nick Saban disciple, winning a championship at LSU as an offensive coordinator and coaching the Tigers from 2000-06. Early in his career, he had stints at Auburn and Cincinnati. He began his career at Birmingham’s Samford University as an assistant from 1988-92. With a Bowden-Saban pedigree, that’s strong.

GRT’s taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level One – National Champion (but with a bit of a “recency” problem.)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Jimbo Fisher

Just last year, Fisher was one of the most coveted coaches in all of the country. He hasn’t forgotten how to coach just because Florida State lost its dynamic quarterback Deondre Francois and is suffering a down year. If the Vols could go in this direction, he’d be a slam dunk, no matter if several FSU fans want him out. Maybe some of the shine has worn off, but he isn’t that far removed from a championship, and he has done great work in Tallahassee. He could bring a staff that would include Jay Graham and even possibly Randy Sanders (though he was just let go). That not appealing to you? How about Sal Sunseri!! All jokes aside, Fisher is a very good coach and an elite recruiter. Plus, he’d be a lot more appreciated at UT than at FSU.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Jimbo Fisher

Fisher’s 2017 season is a bit of a black eye. And he also dealt with plenty of criticism for his win-at-all-costs mentality during the Jameis Winston era. Of course, when you haven’t won very much like UT, you start compromising a little. There has been some criticism of Fisher being set in his offensive ways, but that formula has been successful with elite athletes. Can he have the same sort of recruiting acumen at UT that he has at FSU? If so, some of his character concerns may not matter all that much; it isn’t like he’s ever been in any real trouble with the NCAA.

 

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Willie Taggart

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Willie Taggart.

Willie Taggart’s coaching experience (41 years old)

Assistant coach at Western Kentucky spent on the offensive side from 1999-2006, including a Co-OC role. Then, he moved to Stanford to be running backs coach from 2007-09 under Jim Harbaugh. He took over at WKU as head coach, ushering the Hilltoppers into FBS play, where he went 2-10, 7-5, 7-5 in those rocky years of the transition, building the recruiting base for the success the school had under Bobby Petrino and Jeff Brohm. Taggart took over at South Florida, going 2-10 and 4-8 before turning the Bulls around and going 8-5 and 10-2, thanks largely in part to strong recruiting, including grabbing elite athlete Quenton Flowers, who was coveted by plenty of marquee schools as an athlete. Taggart sold him on playing quarterback, and the program was off. This is his first year at Oregon, and the Ducks started 4-1 before Justin Herbert was injured. They’re now 5-5 (as of November 13).

GRT’s taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level Four – Mid-Major Champion (currently in his first year at a shot at Level Three)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Willie Taggart

Taggart is an intense competitor and dynamic recruiter, who has spent time in the Southeast, convincing players to play for USF. He is an innovative, run-first offensive mind who blends spread concepts very well into a power offense. He’s a great developer of running backs and has enjoyed a slew of good players under him. He could bring defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt to Knoxville along with a powerful staff that could step right in and be just the kind of staff UT needs to get it away from its soft mentality, a belief perpetuated by NFL scouts that has played out on the field this season.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Willie Taggart

Both of his head coaching stops have been characterized by difficult transitional years, partially from inheriting “down” programs but also because of instilling the Taggart mentality into the program. That has been the case this year in Oregon too, thanks to the injury to starting quarterback Herbert. Would UT be willing to wait if there was an overhaul? Plus, his 45-49 head coaching record — on its surface — doesn’t look great. For those wanting a “sexy” hire, Taggart may not fit the bill, but some won’t look deep enough to be happy. Also, this is his first year at Oregon. Would he leave after only one season? What would it take to get him?

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Jeff Brohm

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Jeff Brohm.

Jeff Brohm’s coaching experience (46 years old)

Star quarterback at Louisville and then played in the NFL. Assistant at Louisville, Florida Atlantic, Illinois, UAB and Western Kentucky, including offensive coordinator experience at three schools. Followed Willie Taggart as WKU head coach, 2014-16. This is his first year as HC trying to turn around Purdue.

GRT’s taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level Four – Mid-Major Champion (currently in his first year at a shot at Level Three)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Jeff Brohm

If you want a prolific, dynamic offense, Brohm proved he could produce one at Western Kentucky. He’s also off to a good start at Purdue with the pieces already in place. He’s got a lot of experience at multiple places as offensive coordinator, and he is young with a high upside. He’s proven he can take a program that’s already built and win, and it’s looking like he is a quality program builder in West Lafayette, too, though the jury’s still out.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Jeff Brohm

Brohm has a lot of experience, but he doesn’t have a lot in the Power 5. This is his first year with his program, and the Boilermakers are 4-6 (as of November 13). They’ve had high moments and low spots, too. There’s little doubt he’d be able to produce points in Knoxville, but what kind of defense could he bring? Would he recruit well enough to be successful in the SEC? That’s a major concern, and it would be a crap shoot.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Matt Campbell

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Matt Campbell.

Matt Campbell’s coaching experience (37 years old)

Player at Pittsburgh and Mount Union. Assistant at Bowling Green and Toledo before becoming the Rockets head coach, 2011-15. Iowa State head coach the past two years.

GRT college football coaching taxonomy: The Proven Winner, Level Four – Mid-Major Champion

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Matt Campbell

When you talk about coaches who have skyrocketed through the ranks, Campbell’s game is at the top of the list. I mean, this dude is younger than me! He’s already in Year 2 at a Power 5 team and owns two big-time wins over Oklahoma and TCU this year, and he almost had another one against Oklahoma State. He built Toledo into a MAC powerhouse, and though he may not be a sexy name, he certainly would be a good one. He runs a spread that isn’t afraid to get vertical, and he’s developed running backs like Kareem Hunt and also proven he can build quarterbacks.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Matt Campbell

Unlike some Tennessee AD moves in recent years, Iowa State was shrewd when it locked up Campbell. He’s saddled with a $9.4 million buyout, so unless you’re absolutely sure he’s the home-run hire, you absolutely cannot go in that direction. Other than that, there’s no reason not to like Campbell. He’s developed offenses and defenses and is young enough to be relatable to players. But can he win a championship?

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Chip Kelly

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Chip Kelly.

Chip Kelly coaching experience (53years old)

He built Oregon into a powerhouse as a head coach from 2009-2012 before moving on to be the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Prior to becoming Oregon’s head coach, he was offensive coordinator for the Ducks. Before that, he was a prolific coordinator at New Hampshire. He’s also been an assistant at Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Nevada.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level Two – Major Conference Champion; Guru (offense); Pro; On Hiatus.

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Chip Kelly

He has coached some loaded teams, recruited incredible players and developed quarterbacks like Marcus Mariota. He’s produced some of the most prolific offenses in college football history and left what looked like it could become a dynasty in Eugene before failing in the NFL. He has experience on all levels and isn’t currently coaching.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Chip Kelly

Tennessee probably wouldn’t have that many reservations, but how will his brash attitude fly in Knoxville? That’s really the only worry. But Kelly has never recruited in the SEC. He’s a West Coast and Northeast guy. It seems like he’d be an ideal pick for UCLA if he wanted to come back to college ball. But does he want to get another shot at the NFL? How long would he be in Knoxville if you got him to come? How much would he cost? Yes, there’s huge upside, but there are also questions.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Mike Norvell

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Mike Norvell.

Mike Norvell coaching experience (36 years old)

15-6 record in two seasons as Memphis’ head coach. Was Todd Graham’s offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh and Arizona State prior to that. Was an assistant at Tulsa and Central Arkansas before that.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: Up and Comer

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Mike Norvell

With ties in Memphis, he’d be able to recruit in the Bluff City. But the biggest draw for Norvell is that he’s led the Tigers to being ranked in each of the past two years. He took Justin Fuente’s program and didn’t miss a beat. He’s one of the youngest, most innovative offensive head coaches in all of college football, and he’s going to be a hot name as jobs come open. This one may be gaining steam and would not be a bad fallback option at all. He also may get a long look from nearby Ole Miss, who’ll be looking for a coach, too.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Mike Norvell

His age and experience are worries, sure, and is this really a time when the Vols can take a risk? Norvell has a big upside, but can he hire a defensive coordinator to be good enough in the SEC? Also, he hasn’t proven he can recruit well enough to play with the big boys in the SEC. Finally, this is only Year 2. He’s winning with Fuente’s recruits. Can he build a program and develop his own players? That’s a major question mark, and UT doesn’t need to be a training ground.